Dave Darrin's Fourth Year at Annapolis eBook

“No,” Belle replied honestly. “But
I’d like to get a closer look at Dan’s
latest.”

So Dave led his sweetheart into Wiegard’s.
In order to get a seat at a table it was necessary
to pass the table at which Dan and his handsome friend
were seated. As Dalzell’s back was toward
the door he did not espy his friends until they were
about to pass.

The introduction was pleasantly acknowledged all around.
Miss Henshaw proved wholly well-bred and at ease.

“Won’t you join us here?” asked
Dalzell, trying hard to conceal the fact that he didn’t
want any third and fourth parties.

“I know you’ll excuse us,” answered
Dave, bowing, “and I feel certain that I am
running counter to Miss Meade’s wishes.
But I have so little opportunity to talk to her that
I’m going to beg you to excuse us. I’m
going to be selfish and entice Miss Meade away to
the furthest corner.”

That other table was so far away that Dave and Belle
could converse in low tones without the least danger
of being overheard. There were, at that time,
no other patrons in the place.

“Well, Belle, what do you think of the lady,
now that you’ve seen her?”

“You’ve named her,” replied Belle
quietly. “Dan’s new friend is beyond
any doubt a lady.”

“Then Dan is safe, at last.”

“I’m not so sure of that,” Belle
answered.

“But, if she’s really a lady, she must
be safe company for Dan.”

Belle smiled queerly before she responded:

“I’m afraid Dan is in for a tremendous
disappointment.”

“In the lady’s character?” pressed
Darrin.

“Oh, indeed, no.”

“Wait and see.”

“But I’d rather know now.”

“I’ll tell you what I mean before you
say good-bye this afternoon,” Belle promised.

“By Jove, but I am afraid that is going to be
too late,” murmured Midshipman Darrin.
“Unless I’m greatly misled as to the meaning
of the light that has suddenly come into Danny’s
eyes, he’s proposing to her now!”

“Oh!” gasped Belle, and the small spoonful
of cream that was passing down her throat threatened
to strangle her.

“Dave, how old do you think Miss Henshaw is?”
asked Miss Meade, as soon as she could trust herself
to speak.

“Twenty, I suppose.”

“You don’t know much about women’s
ages, then, do you?” smiled Belle.

“I don’t suppose I’ve any business
to know.”

“Miss Henshaw is a good many years older than
Dan.”

“She doesn’t look it,” urged Dave.

“But she is. Trust another woman to know!”

“There, by Jove!” whispered Dave.
“It has started. Danny is running under
the wire! I can tell by his face that he has
just started to propose.”